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    Question

    Which of the following would have happened if the

    Himalayas did not exist?
    A There would be no North Eastern Monsoon season experienced in India. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B The onset of monsoon would have taken place in the winter season. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C The Indian subcontinent would have recorded a lower Long Period Average of rainfall received. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D The Thar desert would have received very high rainfall every year. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    One of the most important ways in which the Himalayas influence the Indian climate is by trapping the monsoon winds, forcing them to shed their moisture within the subcontinent.  Had there been no Himalayas, the South Western monsoon winds would have had an almost uninterrupted passage over the Indian mainland. This would leave little scope for any kind of orographic rainfall over the Indian subcontinent.  Thus, the Long Period Average value of the rainfall recorded in India would be lower than the present value (89cm) as other mountain ranges (Western Ghats, Satpuras and the Vindhyas) would still cause some, if not much, orographic rainfall.

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